1970s Catherine Buckley Antique Floral Patchwork Dress

British designer Catherine Buckley founded her brand in 1963 and went on to open her first shop in Notting Hill, London. Her romantic, slightly eccentric designs drew on historic references and found an audience among fashion fans and celebrities alike. This playful maxi-dress was created for Buckley’s Fragile collection. To create this line, the designer used fabric samples, known as “strike-offs”, that dated from 1905-1935; jacquard nets in cotton, silk, chenille and viscose that were originally to be used as wall-hangings or curtains and that were woven with colourful, outlandish patterns. Patchworked across whimsical 1970s silhouettes, these garments went on to be stocked at Fortnum & Mason and written about in Cosmo in 1974 (see photos).

Cut in an A-line shape, the dress flares out down the skirt and kicks out around the wearer as they walk. Crafted from a patchwork of these antique jacquard nets, the detail is stunning up close. Fabrics detailed with elaborate Art Nouveau motifs, geometric forms and botanical designs in vibrant hues are contrasted against each other, united by a uniform cream background and thick cream piping along the seams. It has elegant three-quarter sleeves and is gathered at the shoulder to give a slight puff-sleeve shape. Large fabric-covered buttons fit into fabric loops to secure the front of the dress, running all the way up to a high Mandarin collar. This dress is fully lined with cream silk satin.

This memorable and truly one of a kind dress is in very good to excellent vintage condition and came from Catherine's own archive. She presents beautifully and doesn't appear to have been worn. There are a small number of age-related spots on the dress - all have been photographed. They look more intense than they actually are and we thought hard about whether to remedy. Our view is that as a rare archival piece made using repurposed antique fabrics, they are better left untouched as they are minor in nature and get lost in the beautiful print. Labelled a vintage size UK 12, please check the measurements below as it is better suited to a UK size 10 or US 6 and below with a smaller bust and shoulders.

MEASUREMENTS:

BUST - 33 in. (84 cm)

WAIST - 36 in. (91 cm)

HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)

LENGTH - 54 in. (137 cm)